The Lambton Kent District School Board is joining the community in mourning the death of Harriet Jacobs, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 16 at age 88.
Jacobs is remembered as a trailblazer whose vision reshaped education for Indigenous students across the board. Beginning her work in 1975, she became the first Native Studies teacher at Wallaceburg District Secondary School at a time, the board said, when “Indigenous voices were often marginalized and their needs overlooked.” Officials said she believed strongly that Indigenous students needed dedicated support and cultural connection within the school system, laying the foundation for many of the programs in place today.
Jacobs went on to serve as the first supervisor of the Walpole Island Day Care Centre, described as the first Indigenous child care centre in Canada. She also established the Culture Club, now known as the Future Elders Leadership Group, coached multiple sports teams and built the Indigenous Education and Support Program from its earliest days into a key student resource.
When she retired in 2004, the Native Studies office at WDSS was renamed the Harriet Jacobs Centre, which continues to operate as a space of support and belonging for Indigenous students. The Indigenous Students Centre at the school is considered part of her ongoing legacy and reflects her commitment to celebrating culture, affirming identity and empowering students.
“To honour Harriet’s legacy, LKDSB—alongside Robin Isaac, Career Advisor at the HJC—is proud to announce the creation of a graduation award for an Indigenous student,” the board said. “This award will celebrate leadership, resilience, and cultural pride, reflecting the values Harriet championed throughout her life.”
“Harriet Jacobs was an educator. She was a pioneer, a mentor, and a voice for equity,” the board said. “Her impact will continue to inspire generations of students and educators alike. Miigwech, Harriet, for showing us the way.”
Read her obituary, here.
